Marko Reveals How He Found Out About Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Contract

Sunday, 14 July 2024 at 18:00

Helmut Marko revealed how he found out and felt about Lewis Hamilton's contract with Ferrari when it was about to be announced before the 2024 season start.

Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari was one of the biggest news stories in the history of Formula 1.

It was a move that almost no one anticipated, as the 39-year-old previously signed a contract with Mercedes, and it was understood his future for the next two seasons was set.

There have been numerous rumors about Hamilton being in talks with Ferrari in the past, even during the 2023 season. However, they never translated into anything real.

Consequently, Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko wasn't really moved when he heard the rumors for the first time, as he revealed to grandprix247.com:

“"There had been rumors, but especially in the winter, there are a lot of rumors because no racing is going on."”

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A few people have found out about the contract before its announcement. Marko apparently found out only one day before and admitted he was very surprised.

“"But when it was officially announced, I heard it one day before it was announced, I was really surprised. But on the other hand for Formula 1, it’s very good."”

“"This is the most successful driver we have in history, and together with Ferrari, the share price went up. So you see the effect on the marketing and on the money side."”

Signing the seven-time World Champion initially increased Ferrari's market cap by almost $7 billion, so it instantly became clear that it was a good move business-wise. Marko added:

“"What happens is normally you start around July or August to talk about drivers for next year, and Hamilton moving so early means everything was earlier. "Most of the deals are already done, but we will see, it will definitely be interesting."”